Activated charcoal differs from the familiar charcoal that is used in
barbecue grills. Common charcoal contains other organics, is much less
porous, and has a lower surface area. Activated charcoal is pure carbon
specially processed to make it highly absorbent of particles. It is made
by heating the charcoal to 900°C, driving off all the material that
obstructs the pores of ordinary charcoal. Activated charcoal itself is a
fine, black powder that is odorless, tasteless, and nontoxic.

In skincare, activated charcoal is used to absorb excess oils
and impurities, neutralize poisons & toxins from the skin’s surface
and serves as an exfoliator.